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NEWS CENTRAL CANTERBURY NEWS, JANUARY 7, 2015 Severe danger of fire S By SAM SHERWOOD elwyn residents are being warned not to underestimate the district’s current ‘‘extreme’’ fire risk, as the weather continues to get hotter. ‘‘The smallest spark at present could trigger a multi-hectare blaze,’’ says Rolleston chief fire officer Nigel Lilley. The Selwyn District has seen 22 vegetation fires since December 15, eight of which took place in Rolleston. Lilley says a couple of fires required a large amount of resources to extinguish – including one on Old West Coast Rd on December 27 that required 20 fire appliances and a ‘‘huge number’’ of firefighters. ‘‘This in itself can get a little hairy, should another large fire ignite in the district. Resources get very stretched.’’ Lilley says Selwyn residents are generally smart around minimising the risk of a fire breaking out. He said a West Melton fire in 2003 that resulted in several homeowners losing their properties had made residents more aware of the ‘‘very real’’ danger. However, he admits he does still come across acts of ‘‘complete stupidity’’. ‘‘Fireworks created a bit of a headache on New Year’s Eve. ‘‘Living on a rural property, your home is at more risk of damage or loss by fire because of the potentially longer response time of firefighters.’’ Lilley says it’s important people don’t underestimate fires. ‘‘These are extremely difficult to stop, they are very dangerous for firefighters, and they pose a risk Rush to save fish from ‘abnormally’ low rivers Fish & Game NZ is becoming increasingly alarmed at the rapidly falling water levels in some of the country’s rivers, particularly in Canterbury, where it says the situation is now ‘‘abnormal’’. Given limited recent rainfall, scores of fish have been saved from drying sections of Lake Ellesmere’s tributaries and transferred to safer waters. Some North Canterbury rivers are also drying out and Fish & Game staff have already had to mount several operations to save trout and native fish, such as galaxids and eels, from certain death. ‘‘The fish we saved yesterday and today would have had no chance of survival, as the river had dried out above and below them, leaving them trapped in pools,’’ said North Canterbury Fish & Game senior field officer Steve Terry. ‘‘Some of the trout were big – up to the 10 pound mark, which anglers dream of catching. We have also managed to save native fish and take them to safer spots.’’ The fish rescue missions over the last two days are the latest in a series of such operations, which began in November. Though it is not unusual for some stretches of lowland rivers like the Selwyn, Orari and Cust to dry up in summer, it is abnormally early for water levels to be so low. Fish & Game staff have received many calls from anglers and other members of the community voicing their concerns. ‘‘It is only early summer, but river levels are plummeting,’’ Terry said. Fish & Game would like ECan to con- sider introducing ‘‘meaningful reductions’’ in water takes from the catchments of these rivers for irrigation, as the environment is ‘‘suffering’’ at the present rate of abstraction. ‘‘Having many consented users free to take water at their permitted maximum is not balancing the water resource. ECan needs to recognise the present abnormal impact on the waterways, and step in,’’ Terry said. Too late: Fish&Gamestaff have mounted several operations throughout Canterbury to enough for this trout. save trout and native fish from the falling water levels. Unfortunately, help didn’t come fast Picture: SUPPLIED Serenity Essence Available Sizes Queen King Queen $4199 $2099 Swisstek Chateau Available Sizes Queen King Super King Queen $4799 $3359 30% OFF OF Queen $999 East to Burnett Street, Ashburton Phone (03) 308 5269 | www.redmonds.co.nz 6419722AA Available Sizes Queen 50% OFF OF Tranquillity Queen King Queen $4499 $2699 40%OF O F of loss of life and property.’’ Deputy principal rural fire officer Douglas Marshall says that, despite some rain of late, conditions remain very dry. 3 Busy period: Firefighters attended a large vegetation fire in West Melton recently – one of the 22 vegetation fires in the past few weeks. Picture: PAULMACDONALD ‘‘The recent hot, dry conditions we’ve had are great for swimming and holiday activities, but they are also drying out vegetation – making it easier for fires to start. ‘‘We’re asking residents and holidaymakers in the region to be extra vigilant.’’ Marshall says fire restrictions are currently in place in the district, meaning no fires are able to be lit.